Approval was sought from Cabinet and Council for the appointment of youth representatives plus substitutes to sit on the Scrutiny Committee (Lifelong Learning).

On 18 May, 2015 the Scrutiny Committee received a report of progress to date from the Youth Cabinet. The report outlined a way forward in respect of the appointment of youth representatives to sit on the Scrutiny Committee – Lifelong Learning. The Committee considered at that time that representation by young people on the Committee would enable young people to provide information, suggestions or comments and that such a position would provide a voice for young people where their views and ideas would be considered as part of the Council decision-making process.

The recommendation of the Scrutiny Committee (Lifelong Learning) was referred to Cabinet who on 29 June, 2015 resolved :

"(1) T H A T the principle of the Vale Youth Forum being invited to nominate two representatives, plus substitutes, as non-voting observers to the Scrutiny Committee (Lifelong Learning) be agreed.

(2) T H A T a more detailed report be brought to Cabinet with a view to making a recommendation to Council in September and incorporating those recommendations into the report on the Council Constitution which would also beconsidered at that Council meeting."

Following approval of the above resolutions of Cabinet it was the intention that an information pack be provided to the Vale Youth Forum in order that representatives could be appropriately briefed on the role in order that expressions of interest could then be put forward. To assist in the nomination process, officers from within the Democratic Services Section would arrange briefing sessions with the Vale Youth Forum Members in respect of the proposed roles.

The appointment(s), whilst in a non-voting capacity, would provide a further opportunity for the Council to further formally engage with young people. The appointment(s) were to be agreed on the basis that the representatives were Vale Youth Forum Members and subject to change by the Vale Youth Forum itself.

The Scrutiny Committee (Lifelong Learning) met on a monthly basis, every four weeks, and it would be left to the representatives of the Youth Forum for the nominations to decide whether they attended every meeting or meetings where they had a particular interest. The Scrutiny Committee could also call upon the nominated representatives to attend if they felt the views of the young people would be required on particular areas of service.

If approved, the appointment of Youth Service representatives to the Scrutiny Committee would enhance the membership of the Committee and allow for young people between the ages of 11 and 25 to provide information, suggestions or comments for consideration by the Committee.

This was a matter for Executive and Council decision

RESOLVED –

(1) T H A T the Vale Youth Forum be invited to nominate two representatives plus substitutes to sit as non-voting observers on the Scrutiny Committee (Lifelong Learning).

(2) T H A T in line with resolution 1 above the Council be requested to agree to the appointment of two representatives to sit as non-voting observers on the Scrutiny Committee (Lifelong Learning) and the Council's Constitution be amended accordingly.

Reasons for decisions

(1&2) To seek Cabinet and Council approval in order to allow for young people between the ages of 11 and 25 to provide information, suggestions or comments for consideration by the Scrutiny Committee (Lifelong Learning).